Final Project: Social Media News Release

In today’s society, when simple text is not enough and videos and status updates are what keeps the world informed on matters of high importance, it is only befitting that the PR industry and journalists as well are keeping up. This is where the Social Media News Release comes into play. Social Media News Releases or SMNRs, use multimedia outlets such as videos, links, and photos, and utilizes them in social media settings as a means of enhancing new releases and makes it easier and more user friendly for web browsers. ” Social media press releases provide links to additional resources that are helpful for story research and they also package information into formats that are easy to use for quotes and citing references/statistics. Images, audio and video also add impact to the release,” (TopRank Blog)

Like with any thing, there are advantages and disadvantages for using SMNRs. Because SMNRs are so interactive and user friendly, I must say the pros outweigh the cons however, issues with multimedia malfunctions can cause frustration and really make the use of SMNRs a bit more tricky. The pros of SMNRs are extensive, unlike its counterpart. SMNRs allow for optimum sharing, conversing, and searching. It also is a great story telling tool because visuals are involved and make the sharing of the news a bit more exciting. SMNRs engage the reader/view and really holds their attention. (wet paint) Sometimes, when news is complicated or there is a lot of information to get across, SMNRs can bypass that issue because the photos or videos can aid in the explanation. Also, because SMNRs are used for social media purposes, the information can be condensed and more concise for easy reading.

There are  two questions PR practitioners should ask in regards to  SMNRs: why and when should they be used. ” Of the many motivating factors for the use of social media press releases, there are two driving forces that stand out: The changing needs of the end consumer and increasing ease of use for the media,” (Toprank Blog). SMNRs really appeal to journalists, bloggers/podcasters, and consumers/readers. (wet paint) Because of this, PR practitioners should use SMNRs often. Now that we have established that, we should move on to when they should be used.  PR practitioners should be considered for any business to be honest. Who wouldn’t want great visuals, helpful links, and engaging videos to go along with the information they are trying to get across?  Social Media users are accustomed to using such things and if a company wants to stay current, they should hop on the SMNR train- and fast.

I’m sure you are asking yourself, ” does SMNRs really give good results. I’ll let some professionals over at RealWire answer that for me. “Like all press releases it is the content of your story that is key and ensuring it is told to the right people, however our coverage analysis suggests that the use of the format can assist in achieving around double the editorial coverage and up to four times as much on blogs. We think this is because it encourages clients to strive for greater creativity in their storytelling. You can find our blog post about the analysis here and reactions on Twitter here.”

Now that you are jumping at the bits to create an SMNR I have some tips for you.

• Make sure your visuals are current and up-to-date. Readers appreciate you keeping up with the times and it holds their attention
• Use quotations, detailed descriptions, and for blog posted SMNRs, some categories and tags. This really makes things easier for the reader and that is important.
• Make sure your links/videos are in working order before you post them. This helps delete the negative connotations associated with SMNRs and again, adds to the ease of SMNRs.
• Use key words or phrases, something that will work well on Social Media sites like Twitter, who only operate on short and concise phrases.

Now that you are well prepared and knowledgeable on SMNRs, you are well on your way to being a more effective and up-to-date PR practitioner.

Additional links to help you understand, create, and sample SMNRs:

ITV2 SMNR example

Belkin SMNR example

PitchEngine

PRXbuilder

Real Wire

Guide to SMNRs

British Boy Band For Christmas!

So, it should be no surprise to anyone who knows me that I have two loves– Glee and England.  This post isn’t dedicated to Glee. Sorry Gleeks, don’t worry there are plenty of them here so calm yourself. This one is dedicated to England. Well the English boy band, The Wanted, to be exact.

I’m in love with them. It is British music at it’s best. Cheesy and fun and so catchy that you can’t help but sing along. Listening to them brings me back to England, driving around my kiddies ( I was Mary Poppins to three children), and singing at the top of my lungs. It makes me a bit teary to even thing about it.

Back on track now, I promise. This year, The Wanted, has decided to do a lovely little marketing/pr strategy if I do say so myself and it is a The Wanted Advent Calendar. You can go to their website online and everyday from now until Christmas you can open up the little numbered windows and inside each one is something special from the band.

It is a nice way to communicate to the fans and is a great way to spread a little Christmas cheer. Watch this video to see this cute little band that I adore so much and hear more about the Advent Calender. Oh, and after, go check out their songs, “All Time Low,” “Heart Vacancy,” and “Lose My Mind.”

Jake and Taylor Swift: Taylor’s Next Biggest hit?

So speculation between this pair has been going on for weeks now. Of course, both parties are keeping mum on the subject of a budding romance, but that hasn’t stopped the media and the fans for that matter from trying to catch these two together. Sources have reported that the two have been spotted around NYC and Nashville; grabbing coffee together or going for a good old fashion night out for ice cream. A few fuzzy photos from fans have been captured, but no paparazzi photos were published, that is until now. US Weekly has just released photos of the pair having a lovely stroll through Central Park in New York City. These photos have been held back for a few weeks now and were just released because the settlement of funds was reached. Wanna know how much these photos went for? Take a guess. Okay, I’ll tell you. A whopping $250,000.

What makes this couple so high in demand. Well, duh, it’s because we are all wondering if this is going to be Swift’s newest top selling song. We all know that every relationship Swift has been in has made it into her songs. “Back to December,” is about her relationship with Taylor Lautner, “Dear John,” obviously John Mayer, ” Forever and Always, ” about her and Joe Jonas, and “Better than Revenge, is about the girl that stole the JoBro away, Camilla Belle. All of this is speculation of course, but she makes it pretty obvious, so Jake better do Swifty right, because she might have a new single expressing what went down in their relationship.

Thank Goodness for PRSA

So I am graduating in two weeks. I don’t want to talk about it. It is scary and really stressful. Honestly, I don’t recommend it. Okay, that was a bit of a joke but seriously, with no car, job, funds, or home to my name, I’m feeling the heat. My parents so kindly told me I am not allowed to come home after graduation. Now, I know that sounds harsh but they mean well. They want me to make it in the world and to apply myself. They want me to get out there and try, and if I fail then they’ll be there, but until then, I am basically screwed.

So the job hunt ensued. I can’t tell you how many job applications I have turned in. I wish there was a job that paid me to fill out job applications because I am now highly qualified for it. Job hunting is frustrating, especially in such a competitive field such as journalism and public relations. Getting responses whether it be yes OR no is difficult as well, but I must say that PRSA.org has really been helpful to me.

PRSA.org is a website devoted to PR and they have a section where they post jobs related to the media field. I spent hours on this site and I can honestly say that i applied to every job that I was qualified for. Yes, I went through all 300 and some odd listings in my desired fields and applied.

Here’s hoping I get a job! Thanks PRSA for your help!

Update on Proposal Video

So I called it. Sort of. The proposal video I mentioned a few weeks back is in fact a staged proposal. The proposal was conducted by Thinkmodo, a business specializing in marketing.

” Thinkmodo founder Michael Krivicka reveals:

“Since viral videos are both art and science, we wanted to merge both elements to introduce predictability to the videos’ success. As part of our ’study’ we staged an elaborate marriage proposal in Central Park and fused tech and romance to see how well each would be received if merged. Would men be drawn by the awesome iPhone app (which unfortunately doesn’t exist) or would women cry and wonder why Frank threw the ring (which was never in the box)? Since our video was covered by outlets like Glamour as well as CNET, we learned that, contrary to conventional wisdom, content can be made to appeal to both sexes without lessening the appeal to each.”“

I knew this video was too good to be true. Here it is again, just in case you missed it.

 

 

 

Source: Perez Hilton: Read More: We Knew It Was A Hoax!! Called It! | PerezHilton.com http://perezhilton.com/2010-12-01-iphone-wedding-proposal-revealed-to-be-hoax#ixzz16zWqaRCp
Celebrity Juice, Not from Concentrate

PR Rehash:PR Consulting

Just a quick recap on PR consulting. Sometimes we tend to have information overload so it is wise to recap and refresh your brain. Don’t worry. It’ll start coming back to the front of your mind in no time, but just to help you out a bit I have come up with some points to help you jog your memory.

 

• PR Consultants work in firms and offer advice and services for a fee
  • The key to success is a truly collaborative culture.
• Building and maintaining positive partnerships with clients may be the most important skill a consultant possesses

How clients use consulting firms

• Many clients ask their firms for advice and counsel on the activities of the organization and its communication.
• Firms often provide creative idea development as well
• Many clients use consulting firms to manage specific programs that are well contained and can be delegated to the firm with a minimum of staff oversight
• clients employ consulting firms to get work done efficiently.

 

Glee Broke My Heart

So this week we are to post any video that we would like to highlight.  I wasn’t planning on using this from a PR standpoint but as I think about it I think the two can relate.

First, I must preface by saying that if you haven’t figured it out yet I am a total GLEEK. For those of you who don’t know what that is, let me pick my jaw up off the floor and inform you that it is a GLEE fan. I wish there was a term for someone who is well above just being a GLEEK because that would describe me. I could spend days talking about why I am the biggest fan ever but I digress.

This post isn’t dedicated to that topic, however, it is to discuss the Finchel status that was so heartbreakingly ruined last night on GLEE. Finchel is the cute nickname given to power couple Finn and Rachel. I was promised by Ryan Murphy, through interviews of course, that this season Finn and Rachel would be together for the full season. LIES. Last night I sat at my computer with a knot in my stomach because my worst fear came true. Finn and Rachel are no more. At least until next week. I have 6 days to mourn and then a few hours before the show starts to hope that some how they will reunite in the “Very GLEE Christmas” episode.

Of course, I took to Twitter and Facebook to express my disappointment with GLEE that night as well as to see what everyone else was saying. Well, I happened across this video and I think it sums up all my emotions quite well. I wish I was sitting with these folks when I was watching. It would have been comforting.

 

12 Second SALE!!!

So with Thanksgiving having just past and Black Friday holiday shopping trips clearing money away from your bank account, I’d like to take you back there for a moment. For weeks before the holiday season officially kicked off, advertisements for Black Friday were well underway on TV, Radio, and internet. Even mobile phones were advertising Black Friday sales via apps. Of course, Black Friday is an intense shopping day. Customers line up as early as Thanksgiving night just to get in and get the sales.

 

Black Friday has been known to be hazardous. Stampedes of people rushing through the doors can cause injury and I’m sure there has had to be deaths. But, these advertisements keep popping up, screaming at you to come to their store and get there as soon as possible to get the best deal.

This past Saturday, SNL did a great skit commercial really playing on the Black Friday commercials. Really funny and so on point.

Take a look. You won’t regret it.

Publicity Wedding Or True Love

So Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt are a busy making headlines once again. After very public wedding a few years back, the two were shroud in speculation on whether or not it was a Publicity stunt or actually legit. With countless interviews and declarations of love, the media was overtaken by “Speidi.” Fast forward two years and talks of divorce were being whispered. Again, was this a real split and not a publicity stunt was in question. The two held strong, saying that the split wasn’t a joke. However in September 2010, the two put the divorce proceedings on hold, claiming they have worked out their differences.

Again, lets fast forward a mere two months and the two are in the media again. This time retracting their statement that the divorce was real because “Montag and Pratt announced that the reason behind the couple’s divorce was to help Montag’s career. Pratt has said, ‘The divorce was real – just the idea behind it was different than most people. Divorcing was the only way to keep Heidi’s career going because everyone hated me so much. Look at Sandra Bullock – her divorce from Jesse James was the best thing to happen to her image.'” (Wikipedia).

Now the two are planning a wedding to renew their vows.

Obviously these two are craving attention. Ever since their time on Laguna Beach and The Hills, you can’t seem to get them out of the spotlight. With Heidi’s surgery scandal and Spencer acting like he is mentally ill, People Magazine and other’s like it, can’t seem to stop covering this fame addicted duo.

Clearly their publicist is working overtime and doing a pretty great job getting them out in the media. Do I recommend going about it the way that they do? Absolutely not. Desperate attempt to get into the media isn’t something that I would advise for my clients. Staging weddings, divorce, scandals, those aren’t things I would want my clients to be known for.

 

How do you feel about this fame hungry pair?

Guest Post

For this weeks TOW, we are to feature a blog post that wasn’t written by us. This gives you a bit more insight into the views of others.

I chose to highlight a post from the wonderful Juliet Jones. She is amazing, not just as a person but creatively as well. She’s going places. This post is her tips on presenting. Really helpful if I do say so myself!

You can visit Juliet’s Blog Post here, or read it down below 🙂

 

TOW #11

November 4, 2010 by jgjonespr

Public Speaking can be a really scary thing. I personally do not enjoy it one bit. But there are ways you can overcome that fear. Here are some tips to help you be the best public speaker you can be.

1. Gather your Facts – It is never good to go into a presentation not knowing what your talking about. Hopefully if your giving a presentation in the first place, you know a little something about the subject your presenting. If you do not, do your research. Find facts about the presentation and look deeper into those facts. Gather your own thoughts on the information so that you can expand on the topic with your own opinion.

2. Dress the Part – It is always nice to dress professionally during a presentation. People will listen to you more if they think you are coming off professional. This even means your look. You do not want to go into a presentation wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. If your audience things you don’t care, they wont care.

3. Have some Visuals – Visuals can always help add that little extra something to a presentation. It keeps your audience’s attention and gives them visuals to view alongside your presentation. Powerpoint slides are great visuals to use!

4. Speak Clearly – Speak loud and clearly when presenting. Make sure everyone in the room can hear you, even those in the very back of the classroom. Also, do not rush your sentences. Make sure every sentence seems important and you take your time on each.

5. Eye Contact – Maintain eye contact throughout the entire presentation.

6. Ask questions – Ask questions to your audience members. Get them involved in the presentation to not only keep their attention, but to give you a breather!

7. Organize – Make sure your presentation is organized and has a great flow to it. Keep subjects consistent and within the same topic.

8. Make an outline – sometimes its good to do an outline of your presentation. It keeps you on track and helps you remember the important stuff.

9. Practice – Practice makes perfect! Do not forget to practice your presentation a few times before presenting it. It will give be confidence during the presentation and you will not feel that terrible feeling of “procrastination”.

10. Have fun – Do not forget to have fun! Even if you hate public speaking, make the best out of it! It is your time to shine and speak your mind! The attention is on you, and have fun with it!